Artichoke, Globe “Cynara scolymus”

What would the antipasto plate be without the hearts of globe artichokes? This magnificent vegetable with arching silver leaves makes quite a garden statement. Allow about 3 plants per person and replace your plants every third to fourth year.

If the buds are left to develop they produce brilliant lilac-blue flowers that can be dried for flower arrangements or enjoyed in the border.

Love frosty, cool temperate regions for growing conditions.

Cultivation

The old adage of 'good ground grows thistles' can certainly be applied to this most noble member of the thistle family. The flower buds will be produced in profusion given plenty of well-rotted manure and adequate water.

The fat terminal buds are picked before opening, and the outer 'scales' removed to reveal the hearts. The 'choke’ or undeveloped flower deep inside the bud. Is removed for the most succulent hearts.

For the best 'hearts', harvest the buds in spring when the stem below the bud is still pliable. The stem is also delicious peeled and cooked.

Green Globe

Produces fat buds with soft green fleshy 'scales'. From Northern Italy 1.5m in height

Violetta

The dusky purple buds of this form are considered to be the gourmets' choice. 1.2m in height, Yield: Up to 20 hearts per plant.

Artichoke (Jerusalem) Hellanthus tuberosus

Low maintenance and extremely productive root vegetable that has high levels of free amino acids. The knobbly root can be used just like potatoes, but taste much richer and are more productive. However, be warned Jerusalem artichokes are best eaten with close friends, as they are not known as ‘the windy root’ for nothing! Those who are not put off by this can enjoy their sweet nutty flavour roasted, boiled or in luscious creamy soups.

Cultivation

Artichokes thrive in almost any soil, but they love those with good drainage. From a unite spring planting of the tubers, the stems reach up to 2m high topped with brilliant yellow flowers showing their close relationship to the sunflower. Harvests after the stems have died in late autumn. If they are not all dug up they can become invasive. In well-drained soil they can be stored in the soil to be dug as you need them. Fifteen tubers should produce enough for a family.